The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program “showcases all that is wrong about our military’s vendor-dominated, crony-capitalist procurement system,” he said. “Unless dealt with decisively, its massive cost and its lack of capability will have a dramatically negative impact on our military’s effectiveness for decades to come.”

Fredenburg, who holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering and a Masters in production operations management, maintained that “fatal mistakes,” which have crippled the most expansive aircraft in the Pentagon’s procurement history, were made during the conceptual design process more than two decades ago. These flaws, including intractable weight and heat issues, cannot be fixed, meaning that the program is unlikely to deliver the plane it has promised.

In addition, the F-35 was touted for its versatility, but it will in fact need protection and support in combat.

“Because of numerous performance deficiencies and limited weapons capacity, the so-called operationally capable F-35 will need support to locate and avoid threats, acquire targets, and engage enemy aircraft,” the expert explained, citing a memo released by the Office of Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E). “In short, the F-35 – a flying tinderbox – will need to be nursemaided by other aircraft that are actually combat capable.”

Fredenburg further said that pulling the plug on the F-35 takes a president since individual members of the US Congress lack “the clout” needed to take a stand against the program.

After Donald Trump mentions Lockheed Martin in his news conference, the company tells CNBC it understands his “concerns” with F35 program, and is committed to drive down cost. CNBC’s Morgan Brennan reports.

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